THE DIRT
Many of the ingredients commonly used in skincare products and cosmetics are known to cause dermatitis, eczema and skin irritation.
What is sensitive skin?
- Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and is constantly exposed to the environment around us
- Sensitive skin (also called eczema and atopic dermatitis) occurs when the outer layer of skin has an adverse reaction to particular irritants
- The occurrence of atopic dermatitis has been steadily increasing in developed countries since the 1940s, according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Common signs and symptoms
- People with sensitive skin often experience redness, blotchiness, dry and itchy skin, irritation, tightness and tingling sensations
- These are usually the result of a reaction to particular irritants, such as clothing, personal care products, detergents, foods, dust mites and chemicals in your home or environment
- Stress and diet also play a role in determining the health of your skin
Treating sensitive skin
- It is important to address the underlying cause of sensitive skin, rather than just the symptoms
- This includes evaluating your diet and lifestyle
- Make sure you are also well hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water and using the right moisturiser, as dry skin and sensitive skin often go hand in hand
- It is also important to minimise your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in your home environment, as these can usually exacerbate the condition
Avoid these skin irritants
Propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, synthetic fragrances are just a few of the many synthetic ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis, eczema and skin irritation. Choosing natural skincare products will help you to avoid these irritants, see our suggestions below. Click here to read more on which ingredients to avoid.
G SPOT
This week Gina's BLOG is on her personal battle with problem skin, the not so squeaky clean side of skincare and how 'going natural' with personal care can make all the difference.
COME CLEAN Sometimes clearing up problem skin is a simple as choosing good products, here are some of our favourites for you to try.....
If you have sensitive skin, acne prone skin, skin that is prone to eczema, allergic reactions,
dermatitis, rosacea or dryness, Organic Beauty World have you covered! With over 1,000 organic and natural products you will be spoilt for choice. Makeup, skincare, soap, hair care products including 100% natural herbal hair colour. Happy shopping!
Natural Woman Network (NWN) is an organization which promotes a cleaner, greener, healthier world through the use of non-toxic and economical sustainable living products and services. Your involvement is welcomed. NWN have a highly effective, beautiful ayuvedic skin care range called Rasasara SkinFoods - it REALLY works FANTASTICALLY!
Miessence have a range of certified organic skin care products for all skin types, to create that healthy glow. Cleanse to remove dead cells, condition to hydrate and feed your skin nutrients, then moisturise to create a barrier against free radicals and moisture loss. Your skin will love you for it. Free shipping for orders over $100.00. www.organics4ever.com
JOI Pure is the perfect one stop shop for those with sensitive skin (or for those without). Their range of pure and natural skincare without synthetic irritants or allergens is the ideal choice as well as their certified natural makeup, hair care and the Kaeline beauty range made from skin conscious certified organic argane oil. For information, inspiration or online shopping, please go to www.joipure.com
save our skin + the world we live in
When it comes to taking care of sensitive skin, less equals more. We love skin crusaders new range called save our skin + the world we live in, the entire range contains only five organic/certified organic ingredients making it the perfect choice for him, her, baby and sensitive types. www.saveourskin.com.au
Pure hemp seed oil is nature’s perfect moisturiser.
A light, unsaturated, non-greasy natural plant oil, rapidly absorbed
into the skin. Beneficial for all skin types, but especially so for
dry, damaged or sensitive skin. Margaret River HempCo
supplies cold-pressed, extra-virgin hemp seed oil in its pure form,
plus a range of handmade 100% natural hemp body care products.
Available from 112 High St Mall, (near Culley’s Tea Rooms) Fremantle or Margaret River or online at www.hempco.net.au
Sensitive skin needs special care so Skin Organics they stock only natural or organic speciality products that help care for irritated and damaged skin or allergic conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Skin Organics are stockists of Invisible Glove, Hope’s Relief Cream and Simmons Paw Paw Salve. All of their products help protect, prevent further damage and bring real relief to dry, sore skin.
Looking for more information on all things eco-friendly, organic and non-toxic?Visit the CleanLife Directory
References
Cork, M. J., D. A. Robinson, Y. Vasilopoulos, A. Ferguson, M. Moustafa, A. MacGowan, G. W. Duff, S. J. Ward and R. Tazi-Ahnini. 2006. New perspectives on epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis: Gene–environment interactions. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 118 (1): 22-23. Science Direct. http://www.sciencedirect.com (accessed 29 June, 2008).
Skin Care Guide. 2005. Sensitive Skin. http://www.skincareguide.com/sc/sensitive_skin.html (accessed 29 June, 2008).
Steinman, D. n.d. Sensitive skin triggers. http://www.theremustbeabetterway.co.uk/acatalog/Sensitive_Skin_Triggers.html (accessed 29 June, 2008).
Zenyaku USA. n.d. The Facts and Statistics on your sensitive skin. http://sensitiveskin.zenyaku-usa.com/ (accessed 29 June, 2008) .
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